Great whites may be endangered, NOAA says

, Isla Guadalupe is located 160 miles off the coast off Baja California and over 220 miles southwest of San Diego in open ocean water that has over 100 feet of visibility. Its rapidly becoming the World's Best Destination to dive with Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). It hosts one o

, Isla Guadalupe is located 160 miles off the coast off Baja California and over 220 miles southwest of San Diego in open ocean water that has over 100 feet of visibility. Its rapidly becoming the World's Best Destination to dive with Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). It hosts one of the most prolific populations of White Sharks on the planet. (Kike Calvo via AP Images)

, Isla Guadalupe is located 160 miles off the coast off Baja California and over 220 miles southwest of San Diego in open ocean water that has over 100 feet of visibility. Its rapidly becoming the World's Best Destination to dive with Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). It hosts one of the most prolific populations of White Sharks on the planet. (Kike Calvo via AP Images)

Federal fisheries experts on Thursday said petitions to list white sharks as threatened or endangered contained substantial scientific information that warranted an in-depth review. The agency will study the possibility of protecting white sharks under the federal Endangered Species Act, with a decision expected in June.

NOAA said in a statement a status review team of federal scientists will be assembled to assess the best available scientific and commercial information concerning the population structure, biological status, and threats facing great white sharks in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.

Thursday’s announcement was in response to formal requests by conservation groups Oceana, the Center for Biological Diversity, Shark Stewards and WildEarth Guardians to assess the status of white sharks off the West Coast. The petitions were based on recent studies that showed that population is genetically distinct and may include just a few hundred adults and near-adults.

Some scientists have said the numbers don’t necessarily mean the species is imperiled. If NOAA determines they need federal protections, that could lead to restrictions designed to minimize incidental take of white sharks by fishing gear.

Conservationists praised NMFS “for recognizing the new science documenting the perils facing this unique population of great white sharks.”

“Great white sharks are incredible species that have survived for eons along the West Coast. Sadly, they’re in deep trouble right now, so we’re glad to see them a step closer to getting the help they need to survive,” said Miyoko Sakashita, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity.

A similar petition for protecting sharks in California waters is pending at the state level.